@thorstensterk.bsky.socialDemocracy is facing a paradox. Around the world, citizens continue to support democratic ideals while simultaneously losing faith in democratic institutions.
One promising model to solve the problem could be a randomly selected permanent Citizen Chamber, Dylan Mabee argues.
@thorstensterk.bsky.socialOn 25 September, the Utopia bookshop in Paris will welcome Bertrand Séné and Beverley Toudic for a discussion on citizens’ assemblies.
The event can also be followed via Zoom.
@thorstensterk.bsky.socialSince September 18, 2026, a Citizens’ Panel has been deliberating on measures to strengthen democracy in the European Union (EU). Until the end of the year, all EU residents can submit their questions and ideas on the subject online and at events organised on the topic.
@thorstensterk.bsky.socialSouth Africa’s first Climate Citizens’ Assembly is looking for ways to create a fairer transport system – and confronting the enduring legacy of apartheid along the way.
@thorstensterk.bsky.socialDemocracy is losing trust. Polarisation is rising. Too many people feel they have no real say.
Cities can’t afford to respond with token participation.
A new @nets4dem.eu & @eurocities.eu guide shows what real democratic innovation can look like.
@thorstensterk.bsky.socialSurprising finding on climate assemblies: Legitimacy can increase when those most affected are deliberately given stronger representation – especially young people.
@thorstensterk.bsky.socialDemocracy has been unfolding across Connecticut this summer in a way that might shape the state's history through a gathering of residents that's both uplifting and messy.
@thorstensterk.bsky.socialWant citizens’ assemblies to strengthen democracy? Don’t just hold them. Listen to them.
New research finds that legitimacy rises when politicians visibly take citizens’ recommendations seriously - especially among people with low political trust.
Being heard matters.
@thorstensterk.bsky.socialCitizen engagement processes can be transformative. But what is their impact on policymaking, democratic systems and the broader public? This JRC report maps a range of impacts across policy, institutions and society.
@thorstensterk.bsky.socialAround the world, Citizens’ Assemblies are demonstrating what becomes possible when everyday people are given the time, information and opportunity to think together.
The handbook „Democracy Beyond Elections“ brings together practical lessons from these experiences.
@thorstensterk.bsky.socialWhat is it really like to chair a #CitizensAssembly?
@aoibhinnos.bsky.social offers a rare behind-the-scenes account of Ireland’s Biodiversity Assembly – exploring power, neutrality, trust, self-doubt and emotional labour.
A fascinating read on deliberative democracy.
@thorstensterk.bsky.socialThe 2026 Democracy Monitor shows that most people in Germany want to retain representative democracy – but they also want to be meaningfully involved between elections. The Belgian historian David Van Reybrouck goes further.
@talaria-fyi.bsky.social#CitizensAssembly and #anti-lobbying are window-dressing. To distract everyone from realising we ACTUALLY DON'T HAVE #democracy.
We have short term #dictatorships.
www.youtube.com/shorts/rNAPd...
#nzpol
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@thorstensterk.bsky.socialOn 11 September, a Citizens’ Jury on climate adaptation begins in Pinneberg. What makes the process unusual is that some of their proposals could later be put to all eligible voters in a referendum.
@thorstensterk.bsky.socialJust months before the 2027 presidential election, France is seeing the launch of three new nationwide citizens’ assemblies.
@thorstensterk.bsky.socialAnyone talking about the crisis of democracy in Germany quickly ends up talking about the AfD. The debate revolves around firewalls and banning procedures, coalitions and the domestic intelligence service. That is understandable. But perhaps the crucial story begins much earlier.
@thorstensterk.bsky.socialA Danish Citizens’ Assembly is calling for a fundamental transformation of pig farming. Now politicians must show how seriously they take their own promises of citizen participation.
@thorstensterk.bsky.socialIn Osterburg, all residents were due to vote on recommendations from a citizens’ jury on mobility and cycling. Now there is no money to fund this.